Andrew Rosenthal Steps Down As Editorial Page Editor, James Bennet Returns To The New York Times to Succeed Him

NEW YORK, March 14, 2016 -- The New York Times announced today that Andrew Rosenthal, who has served
for a decade as editorial page editor, has decided to step down. The
announcement was made by publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., who said that
Mr. Rosenthal’s departure will take place in late April. Mr. Sulzberger
asked Mr. Rosenthal to begin writing online columns, covering a range of
subjects, including the presidential election. James Bennet, who for the
past ten years has been editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, is rejoining
The Times to succeed Mr. Rosenthal.

Mr. Rosenthal said, “Since Arthur began the public discussions last fall
about succession planning for himself, I also have been thinking about
my own plans. I feel very honored to have served in this position for
longer than any editorial page editor in the modern history of The Times
and during a period of such sweeping change, both in our business and in
the world we cover. It’s been a great challenge and great fun. I’m
looking forward to the opportunity to step back and focus my full
attention on writing about subjects I care deeply about. I am very happy
that in James, the editorial department will be left in the care of such
an accomplished, influential and smart journalist. I am enormously
grateful for my long association with The New York Times, an institution
for which I will always have tremendous pride and affection.”

Mr. Sulzberger said, “Andy has done more than just preside over the
continued excellence of our opinion pages, he has reinvented them for
the digital age. Beyond his exceptional journalistic skills and his
ability to provide clear and cogent analysis of the events shaping the
world around us, he has been a forceful agent for change inside The
Times. Over the past decade, our opinion section led the way in our
digital transformation, piloting everything from video, with the stellar
and award-winning Op-Docs, to interactive journalism to true global
expansion with the addition of dozens of new international opinion
writers, amplifying our voice and our reach to regions around the world.
Under Andy’s leadership, our editorial page has been a persistent and
impactful advocate for important policy positions from U.S. relations
with Cuba, to transgender issues, to marriage equality, to race and
criminal justice, privacy and guns.”

Mr. Sulzberger continued, “Less well known is the key role that Andy
played as a leading advocate for some of the company’s biggest recent
decisions – from the launch of the digital pay model in 2011 to the
recent crafting of our strategy document, “Our Path Forward.” Andy truly
redefined what it means to be editorial page editor by understanding and
undertaking an important role in the leadership of the company. On a
personal note, we’ve known each other for a very long time and I’m
deeply grateful to him for the innumerable contributions he has made to
this institution. I look forward to those that lie ahead.”

Mr. Bennet will join The Times on Monday, May 2, 2016.

Mr. Sulzberger said, “I am delighted that James has agreed to return to
The Times where he did so much exceptional work over 15 years. When we
lost him to The Atlantic ten years ago, those of us who worked with him
knew that he would usher in the resurgence of that great publication.
He’s done that and more. We also knew, or at least hoped, that someday
he would return. James is an extraordinary talent, known as much for his
journalistic curiosity and judgment as he is for his originality and
spirit of innovation. I am so very pleased to welcome him back to The
New York Times and look forward to his many contributions to our future
success.”

Mr. Bennet said, “It’s a tremendous honor to have the chance to succeed
Andy Rosenthal, an editor I’ve known and looked up to since I covered
politics for him at The Times 20 years ago. I’m looking forward to
joining my new colleagues to continue his work imagining all the new
possibilities for intelligent commentary in these times.”

Andy Rosenthal Bio

Andrew Rosenthal, 60, became editorial page editor in January 2007 after
having previously served as deputy editorial page editor since 2003.
Previously he served as assistant managing editor for news and foreign
editor of The Times and briefly as national editor. As a Washington
correspondent, Mr. Rosenthal covered the Bush administration, the 1988
and 1992 presidential elections and the Persian Gulf War. Prior to
joining The Times in March 1987, Mr. Rosenthal worked at the Associated
Press, where he served as Moscow bureau chief. Born in New Delhi, India,
Mr. Rosenthal graduated from the University of Denver with a B.A. degree
in American history.

James Bennet Bio

James Bennet, 49, became editor-in-chief of The Atlantic 10 years
ago this month, joining the organization from The New York Times. He has
also served as co-president of The Atlantic for the past two
years. During his tenure, The Atlantic has dramatically increased
its editorial reach and impact, reaching today an average monthly
audience of 27 million. Under his leadership, the magazine has published
countless high-impact cover stories, essays, investigations, and reports
that have sparked widespread attention and influenced the national
conversation. Prior to The Atlantic, Mr. Bennet served in various
positions at The Times from 1991 until 2006, including White House
correspondent, Magazine staff writer and Jerusalem bureau chief. He
began his editing career at The Washington Monthly and is a graduate of
Yale.

The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT) is a global media organization
dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing
high-quality news and information. The Company includes The New York
Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com,
international.nytimes.com
and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its
journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its
business model. Follow news about the company at @NYTimesComm.

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